Punjab Wins 13th National Gatka Championship, Chhattisgarh Shines

Bhilai :The 13th National Gatka Championship 2025, organised by the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), concluded today in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, after three days of intense competition showcasing traditional martial heritage and sporting excellence. Punjab emerged as the overall champions, while the spirited Chhattisgarh contingent earned widespread praise, securing the runners-up title through sheer determination, precision and perseverance.

In the boys’ category, Punjab clinched the top position with exceptional skill and technique. Chhattisgarh secured second place, while Haryana and Uttarakhand jointly shared the third position.

In the girls’ category, Chhattisgarh delivered a remarkable performance to claim first place. Chandigarh finished second, and Punjab along with Haryana jointly took the third spot.

Chhattisgarh’s Minister for Education and Rural Industries, Gajendra Yadav, attended the closing ceremony as Chief Guest and presented medals and certificates to the winners.

Addressing the gathering, Yadav remarked that Gatka is “not merely a sport but a glorious part of India’s martial heritage that instils discipline, courage and self-control.” He assured that the Government of Chhattisgarh would actively promote Gatka across schools, colleges and universities, encouraging youth participation in a martial art that embodies valour and spiritual strength.

Commending the successful organisation of the championship, Yadav congratulated the National Gatka Association of India and the New Gatka Sports Association, Chhattisgarh, for hosting an event that strongly represented India’s cultural identity and inspired national unity through sport.

Vaishali Nagar MLA, Rikesh Sen, appreciated the dedication and sportsmanship of participating athletes, stating that the discipline, respect and teamwork displayed by Gatka players set an inspiring example for young sportspersons across the country. He urged the youth of Chhattisgarh to take up Gatka with pride and bring laurels to the state.

Several distinguished guests attended the event, including Manish Pandey, Executive Member of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha; Purushottam Dewangan, BJP District President; Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the National Gatka Association of India; Inderjeet Singh Chhotu, Executive Member of the Asian Gatka Federation and President of the New Gatka Sports Association, Chhattisgarh; Jaswant Singh, General Secretary; and Jasbir Singh Chahal, President of the Chhattisgarh Sikh Panchayat.

NGAI President Harjeet Singh Grewal praised the exemplary performances and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to expanding Gatka’s reach across all Indian states, striving for its continued growth and recognition at national and international platforms.

During the closing ceremony, outstanding performers were honoured:

Junior Gatka Star: Satwant Singh Khalsa (Chandigarh)

Best Performer: Suneha (Chandigarh)

Most Promising Player: Ramandeep Singh (Punjab)

Best Gatka-Soti Player: Dimple Kumari (Chhattisgarh)

Best Farrie-Soti Player: Jaskirat Singh (Haryana)

Best Gatkabaz (Male): Jagjot Singh (Uttarakhand)

Best Gatkabaz (Female): Ishkpreet Kaur (Punjab)

The championship concluded amidst applause and celebration, marking another milestone in the revival and promotion of Gatka—India’s ancient martial tradition rooted in Sikh heritage.